Croaking Frogs and Fishy Kongs

Hugo and Pip with Toby and me at Crufts

After two days of doing nothing but sleep, Hugo and Pip are beginning to get back to their normal lively selves after their day up at Crufts. I have never seen them so tired before and they haven't even bothered with their usual nightly romp when the rest of us are winding down. We were really proud of all our dogs on Friday and hope they raise the profile of the breed.

Gorgeous Anouk with Teresa & Kirsty

On Saturday my parents came down for the day which is only the second time they had met Pip. When they came the last time my dad did something which made her bark - she had not forgotten and as soon as she saw him she started shouting at him and then ran upstairs out the way until I called her down again. Fortunately, he was well prepared and had some tasty treats in his pocket for her and Hugo which she devoured. Hopefully, next time they meet she will have forgiven him.

Hugo and Pip went charging out the back door when I let them out the other night before we went to bed but they suddenly came screeching to a standstill, both 'pointing' at the pond. For a horrible moment I thought someone was in the garden but then realised what the problem was - a frog was croaking loudly in the pond! I don't think either of them had heard one before as they weren't with us this time last year and they certainly couldn't make the noise out at all.

The beautiful Kiri posing at Crufts

When we were up at Crufts we bought a goodie bag of Fish4dogs food which contained, amongst other things, a couple of sachets of salmon mousse and some tiny biscuits. Toby filled the Kongs with a combination of both these and Hugo and Pip have spent a happy hour or so licking it all out - only one problem, the house has a decided fishy smell to it now!

Obi wowing the crowds!

For the last week or so Pip has been periodically pawing at the side of her mouth but, however much we looked, we could not see anything wrong. As she was not off her food and it was only every now and again we had hoped it would sort itself out. Today, though, Toby spotted a sore patch just below her mouth which has probably been caused by her rubbing her mouth. The inevitable trip to the vet was arranged for this afternoon and, as Pip is nervous at the surgery, we took Hugo along to keep her company. We were the only patients in the waiting room but every time one of the nurses or staff went in and out of a door Pip would bark loudly at them, just like she was guarding the place. Unfortunately, the lady on the reception could not hear on the telephone and had to transfer her call to another room! Every time Pip barked Hugo would do a high pitched whine - not very manly - and wanted to sit on one of the chairs alongside us. I wouldn't mind but he isn't the one who normally gets on the furniture at home. At last they called us in to the surgery and Pip had to be pulled through the door whereas Hugo strolled in quite happily and wondered round the room while first the nurse and then the vet examined her. Toby lifted her on the table which weighed her at 27kg so she has gained about 1.5kg since December. Because she was nervous Pip was panting which actually made it much easier for the vet to have a good look in her mouth and, fortunately, could find nothing untoward which was a bit of a relief. Instead they gave us some antibiotic/steroidal cream to put on twice a day and we left £45 worse off! Have got to go back in a weeks time and have also booked Pip in for the week after Easter to be spayed - dread to think how the pair of them will be if they have to be separated for the day.

Hugo & Pip at Crufts as featured on TV!

At 6.50am this morning Toby and I set off with Hugo and Pip on the journey to Crufts at the NEC in Birmingham. At 6.53am we had stopped the car because BOTH of them needed a comfort break - at this rate it promised to be a very long day! Once back in the car they both settled down and by the time we were on the motorway were lying down which is always something of a relief - two Akitas standing up in the back of a Fiat Panda is not conducive to a clear view of the road behind!

Hugo working the crowds

After a fairly smooth journey we arrived at the show ground and parked up along with hundreds of other cars all containing little balls of fluff, all either being carried or wheeled along in cages - whoever decided that the Utility and Toy dog groups should be shown on the same day must have had a sense of humour as you could not get much more extreme sizes. Hugo and Pip were very excited and we had to walk them quite a way to get to the main halls - no bus ride for them as we would not risk taking them in one with all those little tasty snacks in a confined space!

Dogs were not allowed in through the entrance that would have been closer to where we were heading so we had to go through Hall 1 and 2, all chock-a-block with people and dogs which we had to negotiate, until we eventually made our way to our allotted space in Hall 3. As we got Hugo and Pip in to their special little pen we breathed a sigh of relief we had made it without any incidents. Needless to say we all felt a bit hot and bothered at this time.

Pip sporting her pink bandanna

Shortly after we arrived, Stephanie and Anouk joined us and Teresa and Kirsty were not far behind. Hugo and Pip behaved beautifully and eagerly greeted everyone who came to see them, standing up with their front paws on the edge of the pen thoroughly enjoying all the fuss and attention. At one point Hugo started to get a bit stressed out but after a short comfort break he was back to his usual self.

After three hours on the stand with hundreds of people stroking them we were relieved by Christine and Clive who had bought Obi and Kiri along and we took Hugo and Pip out for a walk outside. After a bite to eat (Hugo and Pip enjoyed their bits of bacon roll) we walked them round all the stands and arenas for an hour or so. Although they were really well behaved it was just so packed with people it was very hard work guiding them round and through the crowds so it was with great relief when we arrived back at our space again.

Too exhausted to move!

Lots of people were taking photographs of the dogs, some very official looking with huge lenses on their cameras but Hugo and Pip took it in their stride and posed for most. As the afternoon went on they began to flag and they lay down on the floor, looking absolutely exhausted not so keen or interested now in all the people passing by. At 4pm we left the stand and fought our way back through the crowds and made the long trek back to the car. Unfortunately, the M42 at that time of night is horrendous and it took us an hour to get to the M5 and another hour home. Normally when the car slows down in traffic Hugo and Pip will stand up to see what is happening but not today - there were flat out on their bed in the back of the car and stayed that way for all of the two hour journey. 

As we were sitting recovering from the day we watched the Crufts programme on Channel 4 and there were Hugo and Pip wearing their Akita Rescue & Welfare bandannas - what a lovely way to end the day - fame at last!

As I sit typing this I am accompanied by two snoring, very tired dogs, no doubt dreaming of all they have seen today and perhaps wondering what one of those fluff-ball snacks would have tasted of!


N.B. I took very few photographs today so will 'borrow' some from Teresa and Stephanie to post another day.

Getting ready for Crufts!

Waiting for a treat after their bath

On Sunday I was carrying an armful of just ironed clothes upstairs when I dropped a pair of socks in the hall. As I was holding too much to be able to pick them up I left them where they were intending to come back for them. As usual, my two shadows followed me up and in to the bedroom but I was surprised when I turned round from putting the clothes down to see Hugo placing the pair of socks (albeit a bit soggy) on the bed for me - what a clever boy!

Not a happy chappy!

The other evening Daniel decided to take Hugo with him when he went round to his friends house and left Pip with the rest of us. She was totally inconsolable - first she whined and kept running round in circles but got more and more distressed when she realised he wasn't coming back and ended up howling at the top of her voice. It would have been funny if she wasn't obviously so stressed out - I tried hugging her and making a fuss but the only way she eventually calmed down was after Toby took her for a quick walk round the block and she could see for herself that Hugo wasn't there. Strangely enough she didn't take that much notice of Hugo when he did come back so think she was giving him the cold shoulder. Don't think we will be separating them again in a hurry.

 

(Pip)squeaky clean!

Well, tomorrow is the big day! Toby and I are taking Hugo and Pip up to Crufts where they have been invited to represent the Akita Rescue and Welfare on their stand. When I got home from work it was time for that dreaded event - bath-time  Unfortunately, both Hugo and Pip remembered what this meant and we had a really hard time getting them anywhere near the bathroom. Pip was the first to be cornered and Toby and I managed to lift her in the bath and then shampoo and rinse her off fairly quickly. We towel dried her, tied another dry towel round her and let her go while we tried to persuade Hugo to come in. After much cajoling and several gravy bones later we managed to get him half way through the bathroom door so we grabbed him and pulled him in and shut the door behind us. He was not impressed and found it very undignified when the two of us together lifted him in the bath. After all the fuss and bother of getting him in he stood their as good as gold while we washed him and showered him off but he got his own back when we had finished by jumping out and soaking me and then shaking himself all over Toby. In the meantime we heard Martin come in and Pip greeting him and Kita-talking at the top of her voice, telling him what we had done to her. As soon as Hugo was free he shot downstairs and rubbed himself all along the leather settees - thanks Hugo!

Hugo and Pip are now drying out - Pip lying as close to the fire as possible and Hugo sulking in the corner. They certainly look a lot cleaner but there is a definite smell of wet dog about the house tonight!

We will have to be up bright and early tomorrow as we aim to leave about 6.30am in the morning to be at the NEC for 8-8.30am - if anyone wants to come and see us we are in Hall 3 Stand 52.

Walking, fishing, hunting!

Fishing for food

Toby and I set off at 8.15 this morning and took Hugo and Pip up to Randwick Woods. For various reasons (illness, weather, car problems etc.) we haven't been there since just before Christmas so knew the dogs would be excited. It was great getting there so early as there were only a couple of other walkers around and it was beautifully peaceful walking through the woods. Hugo and Pip had a fine old time, tying us round the trees with their leads (they hadn't forgotten how to do that) and they had really happy faces as we scrunched through the leaves. An hour later we had two very puffed out dogs who managed to steam the car up very nicely on the way home - had to have the window open to let in some air!

Where did it go?

When we got home I went out in the garden and fed the fish in the pond for the first time this year. Unfortunately, they did not have much chance to enjoy their food because Hugo and Pip decided they rather liked it too and lapped up as much of it as they could reach - poor fish must have wondered what the two hairy faces were looking down on them and cowered at the bottom of the pond.

You will come down!

Hugo and Pip stayed outside wandering round the garden when I went back but I suddenly saw Hugo shoot up the garden, round the barrier he is not supposed to be able to get round and throw himself against the fence at the top of the garden. I have never seen him move so fast before and didn't think he was capable! What had he seen? A magpie, now flown up in to the neighbours trees and tormenting him from it's perch. Hugo and Pip spent a long time, standing on the bench on the decking trying to hypnotise the bird to come down, fortunately without success. I don't think we will ever be able to attract wildlife in to the garden while the bears are around!

Bubble and (Pip) squeak

When I was at Sainsbury's the other evening I noticed amongst the Red Nose Day stuff a bottle of bubbles so couldn't resist buying them - why, you might ask, you haven't got any young children. No, but I have got two Akitas that take a lot of entertaining and thought they would like them. Hugo was not so keen and made a wide detour round the bubbles and went outside (same reaction to towels, hair-dryer  hoover etc. - getting the picture, he's a bit of a scardy-cat!). Pip on the other hand loves them - likes to try and catch them and is very surprised when they disappear!

Had to laugh at Hugo the other morning - during the night the wind had blown an empty plastic dog food sack in to the pond and before he would drink any water he very gently put his mouth in and gingerly pulled the sack out, took it a few paces away and laid it on the lawn and then went back for his drink. He'll have a bit of a shock soon when the frog spawn start to appear!

Was really bright and sunny yesterday afternoon when I got home from work so Toby and I took Hugo and Pip for a lovely walk along the canal - even better because no one else was around so they could sniff, explore and stalk the ducks as much as they wanted. 

Hugo and Pip are always really pleased to see any of us when we get home after being out and today was no exception. I got the usual, very verbal (Pip), greetings when she has to pick up something in her mouth to bring you - doesn't matter what it is, toy, sock, bit of paper, bone - and realised Hugo was copying her and was bringing me an old punctured football. When we went inside for a cup of tea Pip settled herself between Daniel an me on the sofa and stretched herself out - Hugo, however, was having none of this and very gently he managed to get himself up as well, taking great care not to put his feet on Pip whilst balancing at the same time. Very carefully he turned round and then sat on top of poor Pip! Oh what it is to be wanted and loved!

Hugo and Pip are going to Crufts!

Hugo and Pip were wild with excitement on Saturday afternoon when first Toby returned from his trip to Sierra Leone and then, about half an hour later, Daniel got back from Spain. They didn't know who to attack first! Think they have missed their 'brothers'.

This morning Pip retrieved the empty toothpaste container from the bathroom bin and she and Hugo had a wonderful time crunching their way through the tube - made a bit of a mess but they have lovely minty breath now!

Now for some exciting news - Hugo and Pip are going to Crufts!!!! A few weeks ago the Akita Rescue and Welfare were invited to have a stand in the rescue section of the show and they kindly asked us if we would like to go to represent them.. Our old friends Obi and Kiri will be there and so will Anouk so if anyone is able to come along we would love to see you - it is on Friday 8th March at the NEC. Rather amused me to hear that this is the day when Utility and Toy dogs are there (Akitas are classed as Utility) and one of our neighbours will be the Pomeranian Rescue so hope Hugo and Pip behave themselves and don't think they are toys to play with! 

Just a couple of pictures

Just a couple of pictures today - Pip hiding the patch of wallpaper and paint she has been stripping and Hugo desperate to try some of Daniel's Red Bull (can't think why, it smells disgusting). Don't worry, he wasn't allowed any.

Love, Greetings and Crows!

We have rather been confined to the house over the last 3 weeks because of a combination of bad weather, Pip being in season and car troubles so Hugo and Pip have not had much to report. Except............

Hugo forgot he had had his little operation back in July last year and he was caught in the act with Pip - we were shocked as we didn't think he would still have the urge but apparently they still do.

Toby went off on Wednesday for his 10 day missionary trip to Sierra Leone which has meant Hugo and Pip have been left on their own for 8 hours (the longest we have ever left them) so I was a bit worried what would greet me when I got home on Thursday night. I had intended to leave the back door open for them but it must have blown shut - they had been as good as gold and hadn't had any accidents so was really pleased with them. Their blankets were askew all over the kitchen and they had found a tub of tile spacers in the outhouse and emptied them all over the floor but the funniest thing was the greeting I got from them when I came through the door. Hugo was pounding his feet up and down on the child gate that blocks them off at the kitchen and Pip was going wild - I hurriedly let them into the garden with Hugo rubbing himself around my legs (he likes you to hug him and hold him to you) while Pip grabbed a teddy bear and virtually screamed at the top of her voice, getting louder and higher at the same time as weeing and getting as close to me as she could - nice to be wanted. Dread to think what the neighbours thought - it sounded as if someone was being murdered! On Friday we got the same greeting again, with the addition of the teddy bear being soaking wet which Pip proceeded to whack round my legs resulting in dirty, damp patches all over my trousers.

Had to laugh on Thursday morning when I had a coughing fit just as I was getting out of bed. Pip very thoughtfully bought me a tissue - only problem was it was a used one out of the bin - thanks Pip!

At last today we have had some sunshine and Hugo and Pip have spent all morning happily out in the garden, pottering around with the odd mad five minute tearing around sessions added in. We were very amused by Hugo who was sat watching a big black crow on the shed - he was very interested but made no attempt to chase it, he just sat rigid, almost afraid to move and exactly how Sid used to react too. I'm sure if Pip had seen it the crow would be no more as she is much sharper and quicker and I think her eyesight is a lot better too.

Martin has made a plinth to go in the back of my new car so it levels the back out for Hugo and Pip and we went and bought an off-cut of carpet today to stop them skidding around in the back and give them a bit of comfort. They tried it out and seem to like it so as soon as Toby gets back we are ready to take them up to the woods again - really looking forward to that as it seems such a long time since we last went.

The fresh air seems to have worn them out and they are both sleeping now, Hugo snoring loudly!

Hugo's little accident!

As the garden is so wet at the moment and Pip is very interested in looking over the fence into next doors garden (where rabbits and guinea pigs live!) we have not left the back door open for Hugo and Pip when we have gone out over the last few days. Yesterday when we got in Pip did her usual excitement wee (on the kitchen floor)  and I went and got the mop and bucket to clean up. Hugo went up the garden and we watched,  laughing at him, as he stood there, weeing for England and didn't think he was going to stop.  As the floor was so dirty I give it a thorough wash all over and used plenty of disinfectant and then got on with making tea. Suddenly heard running water and thought the dishwasher was leaking and then realised Hugo was just standing there weeing al over the still-wet-from-washing floor!!! Couldn't believe it - totally out of character as the only time he has ever had an accident in the house was the first night we had him. So, kitchen floor washed for the second time within the space of about 15 minutes. 

Perhaps he was trying to mark his territory after all the disinfectant - maybe that's a good enough excuse not to do too much housework in future!!

Cough, Cough!

When I went upstairs to get changed tonight I noticed on the bed a tiny scrap of cardboard and realised it was from the box of Covonia cough sweets I had left on the bedside table. When I mentioned it to Toby he did say he had found Pip standing over the empty box earlier and he had thrown it away. There was no sign of anything else anywhere so SOMEONE must have eaten the 5-6 sweets left inside!! It wouldn't be quite so bad but they tasted absolutely awful so cannot think what the attraction was.

Hugo is finding Pip rather interesting at the moment as she has just come in to her first season - obviously he can't do much about it but they seem a bit more loving towards each other over the last couple of days and we wonder if that is why he reacted to the dog on the Common on Tuesday. Pip is looking a bit sorry for herself and sleeping a lot so will be glad when it's all over and we can get her spayed. Just a bit worried though as she doesn't like the vet anymore after they 'took her downstairs' to sort out her abscess! Perhaps they'll let Hugo come and stay with her for the day (only joking!).

Blowing the cobwebs away

Hugo actually running! Also showing his rolls of fat!!!

After the initial shock of seeing snow for the first time, Hugo and Pip now absolutely love the cold, white stuff. Every chance they get they are out in the garden, charging around and around and coming back in exhausted. It's just as well they are getting so much exercise this way as we have found walking them off the estate a major problem as the road and footpaths are like an ice rink and almost impossible for one person to take the two of them without slipping and sliding all over the place. Also, as our favourite drive-to walking places all involve going up steep hills they haven't really been accessible either.

There's a tiger about!

As the roads were much better yesterday we arranged that Toby would bring the dogs with him when he came to pick me up from work and we would go home via Selsley Common but, unfortunately, the car would not start and I had to get a lift home. Hugo and Pip were not amused! They were ready in the car and Toby had to persuade them to get out and they could not understand why. As it was still light when I got back we walked them down over the canal to the meadows where the snow was still quite deep and they had a wonderful half hour running round and round, using the extender leads like lunge reins. It certainly helped blow the cobwebs away and we actually managed the whole thing without anyone falling over.

Mine, all mine

Delicious!

Today Toby took them up on the common and they had a great time - made even better by the fact there was hardly anyone else there. Toby managed both Hugo, Pip and a camera all at the same time and got a few nice snaps of the scenery. They only met one off-lead dog who ran over to them when they first set off - the only thing to do in this sort of situation is to stand still just to keep your footing - but, fortunately, the person with the dog came running over, very apologetic, saying they were only dog-sitting for it. A bit further in the walk it escaped again so Hugo did his usual greeting and put his paw on it then, most unlike him, woofed loudly - it slunk off and didn't bother them again!

Daniel has bought Hugo and Pip some big bones again and Pip in particular is obsessed by them and wants them all to herself. I even resorted to confiscating them for a while as she was standing guard over them while poor Hugo looked on bemused. He is a bit sneaky though and carries them upstairs and hides them when she isn't looking. Yesterday morning he got up with me on the bed and bought one with him (lovely, just what you want in bed with you) - when Pip looked up and saw him Hugo just starred her out and she turned away and lay down. First victory ever to Hugo I think!

Snow!!!

Normally when I go downstairs at about 6.30am in the morning and let Hugo and Pip up the garden they fly out the back door and go charging on to the decking, leaping and jumping over each other - if it's frosty they shoot out like a rocket and lick everything in sight and then lie on the cold ground. Today was different, today we actually had snow! I fought my way through them to open the back door and they froze on the step as they saw what was outside. Very cautiously they sniffed the strange, cold white stuff then licked it. They then very, very, slowly, both walking like little old ladies, licked their way across the patio, up the path, over the decking and round on to the lawn - took them about 10 minutes to get that far and they were then happy to come in.

After that first experience though they have suddenly come to life and want to be out there all the time which. When Martin took them for a walk this afternoon he said Hugo had to walk in the deepest drifts of snow he could find (only about 2 inches deep - this is Gloucestershire after all!) and Pip put her nose down and snorted her way along.

They are now both flat out, dreaming and twitching, no doubt reliving their exciting day.

Christmas Day 2012!

Hugo and Pip's first Christmas with us - think they enjoyed their day! They both had a full turkey dinner with all the trimmings but, in the same style as Sid before them, they left the sprouts and carrots!

Here a just a few pictures of them and their presents!

Pip with her new Tigger

Uh-oh trouble brewing!

Me thinks this one won't last long!

Yep, I was right!

Worn out after a walk then Christmas lunch

Did we just hear the fridge door opening?!!

Disappearing duvet & a flying dog!

Over the last two days SOMEBODY has been gradually been pulling the stuffing out of our duvet! Toby went upstairs this afternoon and found white fluff coming out of our bedroom door and down the stairs. Fortunately, we only bought a new one yesterday so it looks as if it will be going on the bed sooner than we thought!

Toby came and picked me up from work today so Hugo and Pip had only been left on their own for about half and hour when we got in but you would have thought they hadn't seen us for a year. As we opened the door they were barking and kita-talking and standing up at the child gate which leads in to the kitchen. Suddenly, Hugo, who normally struggles to heave himself up on the sofa, leapt over the gate in one swift move - think he rather surprised himself as well as us!

Hugo and Pip love this cold, frosty weather and they go absolutely mental when they are let out in the garden. Pip was standing at the edge of the pond, balancing on a stone, drinking the icy water when Hugo bounded up behind her, grabbed her leg and almost pushed her in! There was then a mad five minutes of charging round the garden leaping at each other, and us, until they were calm enough to take out for a walk. Goodness knows how they will be if it snows.

Winter Pack Walk

The dogs, from left to right - Cassie, the Orange Dog (a.k.a. Marvin), Pip, Hugo, Kiri, Obi, Tia, Suki, Max, Candy, Nico and MistyCat.

The day we had been looking forward to for ages finally arrived yesterday - the day of the Akita Winter Walk at Westport Lake near Stoke on Trent. We had to set off at 8.30am to make sure we got there for 11am but knowing Hugo and Pip get so excited when we go out in the car that we have to stop about 5 minutes into the journey, Toby took them up on the common first so they had already had a good walk when we set off.

DUCKS!!!!!

We had a good run up there without too much winging or whining and arrived just after 10.30am as planned. Arriving at the same time as us were Teresa, Kirsty and Ross with Princess Tia and 'the orange dog' (a.k.a. Marvin), who is a staffie with aspirations of becoming a bear, shortly followed by Christine and Clive with Kiri and Obi. There was a little bit of growling and sorting out the pecking order but nothing to worry about - the dogs behaved beautifully too!

Pip cleaning her feet on Teresa's coat! 

Then Kim and Mike drove in with Candy and Nico - for those that don't know, these are the lovely people who fostered Pip before we adopted her and we had been wondering if she would still remember them. Boy, did she remember! She was all over Kim in total ecstasy, and Mike too - it was so lovely to see. Candy and Nico had a good sniff round her but Hugo wasn't so keen on this - Pip is HIS sister now!!

More Akita's arrived - Tally with her new mum, Sally, and Cassie with her dad, Robbie. It was bitterly cold so we decided to start off on the walk round a small lake to warm everyone up. We spaced ourselves out and apart from a few minor pawings and warnings they were all beautifully behaved. We were pleased when Marie caught us up with Misty Cat and we set off on the first lap round the big lake. Hugo had to keep drinking from the lake every few yards - all that water and all those ducks, Canadian geese and swans must have been like Paradise to him. Just surprised nobody ended up in the water as most of the dogs had a paddle at some stage. 

As we were completing the first lap of the lake we were joined by Annie and Neil with the beautiful Suki and 'Mad' Max who was in foster with Marie and Misty Cat. After a quick break for cakes (thanks Christine, they were lovely!) we did a second turn around the lake and all enjoyed our time together.

Marvin, they're wearing your colour!

As everyone set off for home, Toby and I took Hugo and Pip back to Kim and Mikes for a cup of tea - cheeky Miss Pip knew exactly where she was and made herself right at home, even demanding a treat by barking at the cupboard where she knew they were kept. Even Hugo was well settled and lay down without a fuss.

There were hold ups on the motorway on the way back so it took well over 2 hours to get home but Hugo and Pip did not mind - they were fast asleep in the back of the car and hardly stirred all the way. Once home they gobbled up as much of their tea as they could then flaked out again for the rest of the night. Think they enjoyed themselves!

Pip is not amused!

On Friday we noticed Pip had a bit of a sore patch just under her ear and by last night it had turned into quite a nasty abscess. It was first brought to our attention by Hugo when we spotted him licking her ear and we thought 'ah, how sweet, he loves her' - should know him better by now shouldn't we?! Anyway, the inevitable trip to the V.E.T. took place this evening and Toby and I took both Hugo and Pip along - more worming tablets are just about due and we wanted to get them both weighed as they have both grown.

Come and play Pip!

As we went into the surgery the first thing Hugo did was to jump up and put his feet on the reception desk - unfortunately  the resident cat was sitting on the other side and Hugo was very interested in all the spitting and hissing and wide eyes going on there! We were quite early so had to wait for a while and we were really pleased how they both behaved, especially as smaller dogs were barking at them. Pip was a bit jumpy though so she probably knew something nasty was going to happen. 

A lady with one of the small dogs came out of one of the surgery doors looking rather anxious and they took her dog downstairs "It's always a bad sign when they take them down there" she said. The dog was soon returned though - he'd had a dew claw removed and they promised her he'd only made a small yelp when it was removed (if you believe that you'll believe anything).

We have cut this collar down now - it was
a bit big!

Then it was our turn so we all crammed into the little surgery. The nice nurse had a look at Pip's ear and decided she had to shave some of the hair off so she could see it better - Pip had other ideas!! She wriggled and squirmed and, even after a muzzle had been put on her (she wasn't biting or snapping but the nurse thought it might be safer) we couldn't hold her still enough to get more than a snippet of hair from her. The nurse then called the vet in and he had a look at her and said what a lovely puppy she was - he also commented on Hugo's lovely temperament so we liked him! Then those dreaded words 'We'll just pop her downstairs and clean it up for her!"

We trooped back into the waiting room and the nurse took her through the door while we went to the counter to pay. There was a lot of scrabbling sounds coming from behind the door and we could see Pip, backed right up as far as her collar would allow, four feet firmly planted with the nurse trying to get her to move - she was NOT going down those stairs. Toby had to take her in the end and then we sat and waited for her return. Don't know how they did it (and don't particularly want to) but she came back with a shaved ear and had been given  antibiotics and steroid injections. She has to take antibiotics for a week and we have to go back next Monday for a check up. We mustn't let Hugo lick it because THAT is what caused the infection from probably just a small scratch - wouldn't be at all surprised if he'd made that small scratch (or bite) in the first place.


When we got home Pip kept trying to scratch her ear so we resorted to putting the collar on her - this is the one Hugo had after his op. but it was so big on her we have had to cut it down. Hugo kept lying on the floor in front of her and pawing up at her face in the collar to try and make her play - she was not a happy bunny. She is very sleepy now so think the injections are having an affect.

Forgot to say - Pip is 25.9kg (just over four stone) and Hugo is 41.1kg (six and a half stone) so both filling out nicely.

Having a lie in

On a week day our alarm goes off at 6.30am and Martin is out walking Hugo and Pip by 7am. On a weekend we try and have a bit of a lie in (I think 7.45am is the latest I have slept for years). Unfortunately, Hugo and Pip have no concept of what a lie in is and come and huff and puff in our faces and jump on and off the bed till one of us gives in and gets up to let them up the garden. This fobs them off for another half an hour allowing us to take a cup of tea back to bed and read. They show their disapproval by both jumping up on the bed and throwing themselves down between us  with much sighing and THAT look (you Akita owners out there will know what I mean by that). Needless to say there isn't much room for all of us so the lie ins are pretty short lived!

Healthy eating!

Worn out!

It's been much colder this week and Hugo and Pip love it - the slightest bit of frost and they're out there, hoovering up the decking with their tongues and romping in the grass. Pip's not quite so hardy as Hugo though and likes to come in for a nice warm by the fire.

Toby and I took them for a lovely long walk this morning through Standish Woods -  the car park was quite full when we got there so we went a different path from normal and found some really quiet and secluded spots which was fantastic and we all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We did meet someone riding a horse that Hugo was quite keen to play with  - Pip was more interested in trying to eat what it had deposited - but apart from them there were only a couple of other dog walkers around. As usual Hugo and Pip had a wonderful time dragging us up and down banks and round trees - they are like small children with all the leaves down and the frost made them nice and crisp.

It's normally Pip on the sofa but tonight it was Hugo's turn.

The long walk did the trick and Hugo and Pip have been asleep for most of the day, apart from when I was trying to do some baking this afternoon that is. They will insist on lying where you have to keep stepping over them so you feel like you've taken part in an obstacle race by the time you've finished. I don't know how but they seemed to guess one of the things I was making was some dog biscuits for them - I have made them before but this time I put some liver pate into the mixture so they could probably smell it. By the time the biscuits came out the oven they were both drooling and I had to blow on a couple to get them cool enough for them to have straight away. I think I can safely say they were a huge success as they have eaten almost half of them already (there were about 50 to start with). I also made a fruit cake and discovered Hugo and Pip are quite partial to the dried mixed fruit  which rather surprised me - the only raisin Sid would eat was if it was covered in chocolate! Just hope it doesn't have a detrimental effect on their stomachs!